The Role of TRPV1 Receptors in the Brain Function

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) belongs to a family of ligand gated ion channels. This non-selective cation channel is permeable to Na, K and highly to Ca2 ions. It acts as a trigger for Ca2 mediated cell signaling. Although this channel has been previously found highly expressed in dorsal root ganglion, there is a line of evidence indicating the remarkable expression of TRPV1 channels in other parts of the central nervous system.
There is evidence to suggest that TRPV1 channels in the brain contribute in many basic neuronal functions, including neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity.